Jim+Britton

**Project Excel: Building Resilience and Achievement During the Transition to High School**
As students cross the high school’s threshold on their first day, they carry with them capacities, skills, and knowledge that will enhance their achievement throughout high school or serve as a barrier to academic success. The ability of students to develop and maintain specific attitudes and behaviors will help them endure the seminal transition into high school. By building on resilience factors during their freshman year, schools can assist students in laying a foundation of strengths that can propel students to increased levels of achievement. A developed and focused high school transition program, which targets students potentially at risk for academic struggle, might protect academically vulnerable students during the transition to high school by promoting educational resilience and enhancing academic achievement.